THE DETECTION OF EXOTIC VERTEBRATE PESTS IN CALIFORNIA

Numerous exotic vertebrates are imported into California each year for use in scientific research, zoological gardens, the commercial pet trade, and private collections. Certain of these imported species are known within their native range to depredate agricultural commodities, compete with other species of wildlife , and facilitate the spread of. diseases detrimental to humans or other animals. The California Department of Food and Agriculture, in cooperation with other governmental agencies and conservation-oriented societies, is active in the exclusion, detection, and eradication of these detrimental species. Exclusion procedures include inspections of air cargo, truck, and postal terminals in addition to private automobiles. Detection procedures involve surveying urban areas, cropland, entryways, rangeland, and high hazard situations. The results obtained indicate these preventative procedures are both efficient and effective